We've had decidedly mixed feelings about atomic energy through the decades. The discovery of x-rays in the 19th century gave us brand-new ways to help heal broken bodies.
But then, too much exposure to x-rays or any other radiation can also lead to broken or even dead bodies. Atomic energy can power our cities or blow them up.
Author Craig Nelson walks us through the history of our relationship to the atom in his book "The Age of Radiance: The Epic Rise and Dramatic Fall of the Atomic Era."
